Oct 27 (NHK) - Japan's Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko have visited victims of torrential rains in northern Kyushu, western Japan, where more than 1,000 people are still living in temporary housing 3 months after the disaster struck.
The rains that hit Fukuoka and Oita prefectures left 37 people dead and 4 missing.
The Imperial couple on Friday arrived at Asakura City in Fukuoka, where flooded rivers killed many people.
After being briefed by the Fukuoka governor, the Emperor and Empress consoled residents as well as people from the neighboring Toho Village. The couple exchanged words with each of the victims.
A 65-year-old man said he lost his wife, daughter and grandchild when mud flowed into his house and that they looked like they were protecting each other. The Emperor said he was very sorry to hear the story.
The Empress asked people about their health, as the weather is getting colder.
The Imperial couple also met with Self-Defense Force personnel, firefighters and police officers, and thanked them for their hard relief work in rough conditions.
Source: ANNnewsCH
